Few conventions were left unchallenged in the 1970s as Americans witnessed a decade of sweeping social, cultural, economic, and political upheavals. The Vietnam War, Watergate, the recession, and the oil embargo all contributed to an era of social movements, political mistrust, but also rich cultural diversity. It was the "Me Decade," a reaction against 60s radicalism reflected in fashion, film, the arts, and music. Songs of the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and Patti Smith brought punk music into the mainstream, introducing teenagers to rebellious punk fashions. It was also the decade of disco, epitomised by the famous image of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. While the turbulent decade ushered in "Ms. Magazine", "Mood Rings", "Studio 54", Stephen King horror novels, and granola, it was also the decade in which over 25 million video game systems made their way into American homes, allowing Asteroids and Pac-Man games to be played out on televisions in living rooms throughout the country. Whether it was the boom of environmentalism or the bust of the Nixon administration, the era represented a profound shift in American society and culture. This compelling book chronicles the significant changes in the U.S.A. during the 70s, from the women's and civil rights movements to the energy crisis. Chapters explore various aspects of popular culture, including advertising, literature, leisure activities, visual arts, and travel. Supplemental resources include a timeline of important events, cost comparisons, and an extensive bibliography for further reading. Part of the "American Popular Culture Through History" series, it offers a nostalgic look at the youth culture of the 1970s; and provides a broad overview of the cultural elements of the decade in their social and historical context.